Photo used under Creative Commons license from Flickr.com user grsing.
After driving more than five hours and 300 miles, crossing the New Jersey state line for the first time was an awesome feeling. Or at least I think it was. I was too busy trying not to get run over in the slow lane while I figured out where I was going. I quickly realized that I was not in Kansas — or Pennsylvania — anymore but with the help of several of my teammates, I was ready to go all out for my first trip to the shore.
During my three-day visit, I stopped by Robbinsville and Point Pleasant in Central Jersey and then swung through Voorhees and Ocean City before heading back home. Being a Jersey virgin at the time, I couldn’t tell the difference between north, central or south but I was assured by practically everyone I met that their region was the best and everyone else was crazy.
One thing everyone could agree on, was that it was ridiculous that I hadn’t made the trip over earlier. On several separate ice cream outings, my cone was spontaneously upgraded as a welcoming gift. Thanks New Jersey! My favorite was the boardwalk classic, Kohr Brothers, where we ate at Ocean City.
I hit the beach with my friends on my first full day in town — pork roll, egg and cheese bagel in one hand and Wawa iced tea in the other. I was (thankfully) surprised to find that most Jersey Shore beaches don’t take after the infamous T.V. show. Our days consisted of a low-key mix of wandering the boardwalk, lounging around and eating anything and everything deep-fried.
Part of what makes going to the beach awesome is how little planning it takes to have a fun and relaxing day. That being said, I did pick up a few helpful ideas. Pack light and park at the far end of the beach to avoid paying to get in, then walk to where you actually want to sit. Make a Wawa run before you go or bring your own snacks to cut costs and avoid waiting an eternity for someone else to be hungry (or thirsty) at the same time as you. And finally, actually reapply the sunscreen like you’re supposed to and avoid turning 50 shades of burnt on the ride home.
